The Coal Debate

Posted: Fri 5:51 PM, Oct 28, 2005&nbsp|&nbsp

Updated: Fri 5:51 PM, Oct 28, 2005

Even before the more than 104,000 ballots on the coal plant referendum made it to the truck and off to the Post Office, anti-coal activists were across town pushing their message that voters should vote no. They call the technology dirty and expensive and took fire at the city's informational campaign on the issue.

Brian Armstrong, an anti-coal activist, says, "I think what has occurred is an abomination because what we have is a government issue. It's been a travesty the way we've only received one side of the issue from the utilities department."

But city says it has been presenting the facts of the situation.

The plant in Jacksonville is similar to the one proposed for Taylor County. One commissioner says the city wants people to vote yes to keep coal as an energy option. It doesn't mean the city will participate.

Mark Mustian, Tallahassee City Commissioner, says, "I think as a city commission, we're trying to be balanced about it. Some people feel that's not the case, but I really make no apologies for the city trying to get information out as to what the facts are and why we as a commission believe this is the right thing to keep it on the table."

On the table or not, it will be a decision for the voters in what very well could be a record breaking response for a City of Tallahassee referendum.

We will be airing a special report on the coal plant debate beginning November 7. We will examine both sides of the issue to help you make an informed decision.

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